March 2022 Meeting
Safety Minute
Wear your ice cleats if you have them. It's extremely icy around campus and Fairbanks. To help prevent slip and fall injuries, UAF offers ice cleats to all employees and students, free of charge.
Remember to be aware of your surroundings, it’s not just people who are irritated by the deep snow this winter, moose are acting more aggressive toward humans and pets.
Status of Pending Actions
In February the Staff Council passed a motion in support of the Faculty Senate resolution regarding the appointment of President Pitney. The Staff Council received a response from Chair Buretta on March 4th.
Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services Julie Queen
The vice-chancellor reported the operating budget is looking brighter and there is more support for stability. $8.45M was requested for our operating budget (about $3.1M short). There are special projects as well, some include facilities infrastructure (due to our aging campus), supporting Mariculture programs which will be shared across the UA system, projects for energy and UAA health programs to help support the workforce. UA is hoping some of these requests will make their way into the final budget. You are encouraged to read the weekly Capitol Reports for more updates.
There are opportunities on the federal side as well. UAF has applied for a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) grant to upgrade broadband speeds at CRCD. The UA System is also seeking financial support to modernize our student information system. Banner in its current form, is no longer agile and struggles to meet the needs for employees and students.
Planning and Budget Committee: In preparation for the FY24 budget cycle, UAF leadership is soliciting funding proposals from UAF faculty and staff that focus on the UAF strategic goals, support accreditation requirements and the UA vision. The deadline will be March 31. Click here to access the Request for Proposals (RFP) form.
UA President Pat Pitney
President Pitney reported the UA environment may not feel like it's changed much, but the future is looking hopeful. UA will likely receive its first increase in state operating funds since FY14. This is an opportunity to advance some areas of economic development.
Staff shortages: Labor demographics have decreased significantly in Alaska and UA. We are not getting many applicants, recruiting has been difficult, UA will be addressing our compensation structure over the next 8-10 months. We need to focus on working differently, we can not do our jobs the same way as we did in the past. We need to continue to increase our efficiencies, this takes a lot of work and you need to think differently about everything you do. Look around other departments/campuses to see if there are ways you can collaborate.
To help with staff that are overworked and stressed about "being all things to all people", communicate and be transparent with your supervisors. Make sure the people above you know what is critical and what you can't get done, set priorities. To address burnout, President Pitney gives us all permission to set boundaries and use your leave, supervisors need to respect that. She appreciates all of us working for the university but we need to stay healthy, we are better employees if we are healthy.
Take advantage of our tuition benefits. This is a way to "grow our own". With future budget stability student employees are the best pipeline to fill gaps.
HR Updates from David Bishko and Remote Work Updates
The vaccination mandate is still applicable with federal policy since the federal court conjunction that was filed has not advanced.
Visit the HR Remote Work webpage to help make decisions and assess remote work needs.
David Bishko emphasized that remote work agreements are primarily between the employee and their supervisor. It is best if supervisors are on the same page with remote work as their leadership, but that might not always be the case. If you are in the middle of a departmental remote work disagreement you can contact CHRO Bishko directly and he will help resolve any issues.
Guidelines and Procedures for Remote Work
This tool is for both supervisors or staff. Mental health of employees is a major concern and flexibility is also important. Please remember, UAF is a residential campus therefore, we need to be present and available to assist students. You will need to fill out a remote work agreement if you are an out of state employee, work out of the office more than 20% of your time, or you have an agreement with your supervisor to work out of state. Agreements are set up with supervisor approval.
Outside Work Agreement does not align with the State of Alaska's Outside Work Agreement and is more restrictive. The reason is UA's agreement predates the State's. UA is working with the State's Ethics Department on revising UA's agreement.
Public comment:
UAF Spring Break: Many are concerned that UAF's Spring Break did not align with the FNSB School District's spring break. This makes planning and childcare difficult. UA leadership is aware and the issue was identified early on, but the calendar had already been set. There is a common calendar committee that encouraged each university to reach out and work with their school districts to make spring breaks align.
New Business, Discussion & Information items:
Resolution to allow for “In Lieu Of” Supervisory Experience was rescinded by the Staff Affairs committee to review.
Mathew Mund provided a report from the Joint Health Care Committee.
Mathew Mund has been appointed to serve on the Master Planning Committee.
Masking policy: Please follow the UAF COVID-19 Masking Expectations webpage.
Staff Recognition and Development Day will take place on May 5, 2022.
Myron Dosch will be leaving the University this summer. Statewide is working on transition plans and who will be the interim CFO until a permanent replacement is hired.
Awards accepting nominations until April 15th:
McHenry/Martin Outstanding Staff Award
Feist-Schamel Outstanding Undergraduate Faculty Award
Professional Development Funds are available for staff for fees or a maximum of $500 for costs such as professional memberships/dues, conference attendance or LinkedIn Learning subscription. Find out more on the Staff Council Staff Development Funds webpage.